Queensland joins NSW revolt over Big Bash sale plans
Queensland will join NSW in pressing the pause button on Cricket Australia’s plans to sell stakes in Big Bash League clubs, leaving the governing body without nationwide consensus on the float.
Following a board meeting on Tuesday night, Queensland Cricket has confirmed to this masthead that it will be seeking further clarity from CA about plans for the partial sale of clubs.
CA had set Wednesday as a deadline for states to indicate whether they were keen to proceed with the sale.
NSW and Queensland have formed the view that while private investment in the BBL may be a good idea in the future, they are unconvinced that it needs to happen immediately.
Instead, their preference is for further work to be done on the fundamentals of any sale plan, while also encouraging CA to grow more value in the league and in cricket as a whole.
NSW and Queensland are both open to finding different ways of raising more commercial revenue without selling stakes in clubs, including the pursuit of higher product fees from wagering companies.
CA has previously indicated that it will be possible for the sale process to proceed without the agreement of all states. The next step will involve seeking valuations for clubs – finding out how much money may be raised by their sale.
Cricket NSW chief executive, Lee Germon, is set to speak to media later on Wednesday at the opening of Cricket Central, the state association’s new headquarters in Sydney.
